Russia and the China-India Rivalry

Abstract

The deadly Himalayan border clash between China and India in June 2020 and the ensuing breakdown of China-India relations posed a challenge for Russia's foreign policy. Russia has consistently sought to balance its relations with China and India, while also encouraging cooperation among the members of the Russia-India-China (RIC) triangle in seeking to increase their role in global governance. The deterioration of relations with the West has led Russia to strengthen relations with China, but Russia has also sought to avoid excessive reliance on China through diplomatic outreach to other countries, especially India. Tensions between China and India have long served to hinder Russia's strategy, a problem that the events of 2020 compounded. In the face of growing concerns about China, India in recent years turned to the United States for support, becoming an active participant in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. This trend is accelerating following the border clash. Both Russia and India seek to maintain strong relations with one another, but the intensification of great-power rivalry in Asia is placing an increasing strain on this relationship, hindering Russia's objectives related to the Russia-India-China triangle.